Melbourne, Australia, 6 December 1879
The bowl had long been stained by the dye, but Chrystelle scrubbed it regardless before patting it dry and placing it on top of the overflowing pile that spilled from the large wooden trunk in her cabin. Silks and satins, cottons and wools vied for space in a tumble of brilliant colour, awaiting Chrystelle Amour’s choice each day. Holding up a green, yellow-trimmed dress, she decided to make it today’s costume, her ‘welcome to Australia’ outfit. It seemed fitting, based on the countryside she’d seen so far.
The great southern land boasted a shoreline bathed in myriad hues. Sheer golden sandstone cliffs and pristine jewelled coves shone from her shores along the Bight, the thick green bushland that ran above it now interspersed with civilisation as Melbourne came into view. She’d heard much about the city from the other passengers during the journey, and the busy port bustled with activity as the ship moored at last, almost seeming to sigh as it came to rest after its long, arduous voyage.
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